Madonna of the Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Madonna of the Trail |
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Albuquerque Madonna
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| Location | Marble Ave. and 4th St. Albuquerque, New Mexico |
| Built | September 27, 1928 |
| Architect | August Leimbach |
| Designated | March 21, 2006 |
| Reference no. | 06000151 |
| Madonna of the Trail California Historical Monument | |
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Madonna of the Trail, 1928
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| Location | North Euclid Avenue, Upland, California |
| Built | 1929 |
| Architect | August Leimbach |
| Designated | November 7, 1998 |
| Reference no. | 1028 |
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The Madonna of the Trail is a set of 12 identical statues. They honor the brave pioneer women of the United States. The National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR) asked for these monuments to be made.
These statues were placed in 12 different states. These states are along the National Old Trails Road. This road stretched from Cumberland, Maryland, all the way to Upland, California.
Sculptor August Leimbach created these monuments. Money for them came from many donations. The statues show the courage and faith of women. These women helped settle the wilderness and build new homes. The first statues were dedicated in 1928 and 1929. They quickly became a source of local pride. Today, all 12 statues are in good condition and can be seen by everyone.
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History of the Pioneer Monuments
The Madonna of the Trail monuments have an interesting history. They were built to remember the important role of pioneer women. These women faced many challenges. They helped build new communities across America.
In 1929, Harry S. Truman was supposed to speak. This was at the unveiling of the Upland, California statue. However, he was not able to attend the event.
Some of these statues have become important local landmarks. For example, the Upland, California monument was the site of a gathering in 2020. People met there to support fairness and equality for all.
Where to Find the Madonna Statues
There is one Madonna of the Trail monument in each of 12 states. These states are along the National Old Trails Highway. Much of this old highway later became U.S. Route 40 and U.S. Route 66. The statues were dedicated in this order:
| State | Image | Location | Dedicated | Notes |
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| West Virginia |  |
Wheeling 40°03′21″N 80°40′09″W / 40.055797°N 80.669215°W |
July 7, 1928 | Part of the National Road Corridor Historic District. |
| New Mexico | |
Albuquerque 35°05′34″N 106°38′59″W / 35.092897°N 106.649820°W |
September 27, 1928 | This statue is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was moved in 1996 for a new courthouse. It was restored and placed at a new spot in 1998. |
How the Statues Face
Most of the Madonna of the Trail statues face west. This direction points towards the setting sun and the frontier. It symbolizes the pioneers' journey westward.
The Maryland Madonna statue in Bethesda is different. For a long time, it was the only one facing east. In 2004, it was moved for repairs. When it was on the truck, it faced west. This was a rare moment when all 12 statues faced the same direction.
The Ohio Madonna statue was moved in 2011. It is now in the new National Road Commons park in Springfield. This statue now faces south. This new position makes it easier for people to see it from Main Street.
California Historical Marker Details
In Upland, California, there is a special marker near the statue. It tells more about the Madonna of the Trail. This marker was dedicated in 1929. It explains that the statues honor the westward movement of American civilization.
The markers also highlight the importance of national highways. They especially pay tribute to the role of pioneer women. German-born sculptor August Leimbach designed the statue. He was inspired by a statue of Sacagawea in Portland, Oregon. The Upland monument represents four historic trails. These include the Mojave Trail and the de Anza Trail.
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